British Gymnastics apologises to former gymnast abused by coaches as a child
British Gymnastics has apologised to a former gymnast who was physically and verbally abused as a child by two coaches at a gymnastics club in Southampton.
Posted on 30 September 2026
The apology comes after a settlement was agreed with British Gymnastics for the former gymnast, who we have called Gary, over his treatment by his former coaches.
Gary started training at Southampton Gymnastics Club when he was 10 years old, and during his five years at the club says he was abused by now former British Gymnastics coaches Ian Matthews and Craig Lowther.
Gary says he was physically, verbally and emotionally abused by the two coaches between the ages of 10 and 14.
Gary says the coaches made frequent comments about his weight and sexuality. He recalls one of the coaches lifting up his shirt and ridiculing him in front of other gymnasts, and homophobic slurs often being directed towards him.
Gary was diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia at the age of 14, which he says were aggravated by his experiences at gymnastics, and recalls starving himself during his time practising gymnastics as a child.
Both Matthews and Lowther have since had their British Gymnastics licences revoked for safeguarding reasons. Lowther declined to comment when the allegations were put to him by ITV in 2020.
In 2024, Gary brought a civil claim against British Gymnastics over the abuse he experienced from its licensed coaches, after instructing Leigh Day abuse team partner Dino Nocivelli.
The claim was settled this year, with British Gymnastics also sending a formal apology letter to Gary for abuse and harm he experienced as a child while training to be a gymnast.
Neither Matthews nor Lowther is named in the letter of apology.
Leigh Day partner Dino Nocivelli said:
“My client has suffered greatly from his experiences with British Gymnastics coaches. He was subjected to consistent verbal, physical and emotional abuse with comments made about his weight and sexuality, despite being just a child at the time. I am pleased that a settlement has now been reached with British Gymnastics over the abuse, as well as a formal apology being provided to my client. While nothing can truly make up for the abuse he suffered, this can hopefully provide some kind of closure.”
Dino Nocivelli
Dino is an experienced child sexual abuse claims lawyer. He is also a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers and an ambassador for The Survivors Trust, Kyniska Advocacy, Seen & Heard, and Revival – Wiltshire RASAC.
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